WORKERS RIGHTS ORGANIZER (AUSTIN, TX and DALLAS, TX) Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
About Workers Defense Project: Created in 2002, WDP is a statewide membership based workers rights organization that builds power for construction workers in Texas. WDP is one of the few organizations in Texas working to address workplace abuse faced by low wage workers. One of the most established worker centers in the South, WDP is a national leader in the movement of worker centers fighting for fair conditions for working people. WDP has won numerous awards and accolades for its cutting edge organizing work in one of the toughest climates for workers in the country. The organization was named “one of the most creative organizations for immigrant workers in the country” by the New York Times.
Internship Description:
WDP’s Employment and Legal Services program uses a wide range of legal, administrative, and community based tactics to assist low wage workers to recover owed wages, seek redress for legal violations on the work site, and prepare for and apply for certain forms of immigration relief. The Workers Rights Organizer will work with the Employment and Legal Services program to assist low wage workers to resolve wage claims and access other needed services. Interns will also participate in know your rights trainings, community outreach efforts, direct actions, and other ongoing organizing, research, and advocacy campaigns.
Requirements:
● Strong proficiency both writing and speaking in Spanish;
● Commitment to racial, economic, and social justice;
● Interest in using the law creatively in the fight for systemic change;
● Ability to work and communicate well with diverse groups of people;
● Computer literate: e.g. Word, Google Drive and GMail;
● Available to work at least 15 hours a week, including some nights and weekends. Must be
available Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 10pm;
● Available to work from late August to mid December.
This is a semester long internship program for college students who are currently working towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. WDP can accomodate both full time and part time interns and offer a modest stipend. WDP is also happy to work with interns to access class credit or funding through their educational institution. WDP is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ individuals to apply.
While there is no firm application deadline, it is recommended that candidates not delay in submitting their materials as the internship is filled on a rolling basis. DALLAS internship candidates: please submit a resume and cover letter to Shana Khader, shana@workersdefense.org.AUSTIN internship candidates: please submit a resume and cover letter to Ana Gonzalez, ana@workersdefense.org.
Intern Opening: Legislative Intern
Internship Period: September 1, 2016 December 2016 ( with an opportunity to extend through May 2017)
Last day to apply: August 20, 2016
The Intern will work with WDP to win better protections for Texas construction workers through our Build A Better Texas Campaign. The Intern will coordinating legislative visits for our Day of the Fallen day of action, where hundreds of construction workers and community allies from across the state will march on the capitol to remind legislators to demand protections for Texas construction workers. The Intern will learn important skills in community organizing, coalition building, policy advocacy, and nonprofit administration. The intern will have the opportunity to extend their internship period to the spring semester and learn about the legislative process in the 2017 legislature.
Requirements:
● 3.0 GPA
● Strong written and verbal communication skills
● Computer literate: Microsoft Office, Internet, and email
● Ability to work independently
● Commitment to social justice
● Able to work 10 to 15 hours a week including occasional nights and weekends.
● Spanish is a plus, but not required.
Responsibilities:
● Coordinate logistics for lobby day and march of the exciting Day of the Fallen event that will be held on March 1, 2017.
● Assist with outreach to and developing relationships with key strategic allies state level policy campaigns.
● Participate in and provide support for meetings with state policy makers.
● Coordinate visits to legislators to educate them about construction working
conditions and call on them to pass policies to protect Texas workers.
Compensation:
● Lifelong experience and skills
● Stipend of $150/month
● Referrals for future employment
● Possible class credit
How to apply: Send a letter of interest, resume, and two references to Emily Timm, at emily@workersdefense.org . Position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is found.